Holding Green Bay to 17 points is impressive, especially since seven of those points came immediately after the offense turned the ball over to the Packers at the 6-yard line. Shutting Green Bay out in the first half is impressive, especially since Seattle didn't have its starting right cornerback for most of the first half. Earl Thomas was himself again -- swarming the field like a centerfielder, tackling like a linebacker -- and finished with 11 tackles.

"I feel like I'm back," Thomas said.

However, Rodgers still threw for 311 yards and converted a few third-and-longs that would have gotten the defense off the field. But those things are bound to happen when a team is on the field for 39 minutes.

When Seattle traded for Sheldon Richardson, the team’s already-talented D-line was immediately spoken of using superlatives. Sunday was why. The unit was all over Aaron Rodgers, constantly flushing him out of the pocket, sacking him four times. Michael Bennett was responsible for 1.5 of those. Heck, Seattle’s only TD Sunday came from a defensive lineman – Nazair Jones (pictured) returning an interception that was called back due to penalty.

“It was great," Jones said of his interception, but also noted that the defense strives to get three turnovers a game and that was only one.

That's breaking news, I know. But this unit was supposedly improved entering the year -- prior to the George Fant, but still -- and that didn't appear to be the case Sunday. Russell Wilson was sacked three times and hit six. And those numbers would probably be higher if he wasn't so mobile in the pocket. The run game was essentially absent (Wilson was the leading rusher with 40 yards) and in pass protection, Wilson had to use his legs to make most of the plays happen. The series when Wilson fumbled? Green Bay's Mike Daniels was in the backfield as much as the running backs. Coach Pete Carroll of course needs to study the film before he offers any analysis, but the rushing numbers, Daniels' numbers (seven tackles, 1.5 sacks) and the dirt on Wilson's jersey speak for themselves.

It's hard to ignore the role the officiating played Sunday. Ejecting Jeremy Lane during the first quarter seemed to be a very rapid reaction, not much deliberation occurring before the corner was tossed for throwing a punch. That was coach Pete Carroll's issue with issue it, as much as anything (he also says he didn't see a punch). He said afterward that a call of that magnitude should have been discussed rather than trusting the word of one official. To make matters worse, it's really hard to find any form of punch on the replay.

The other debatable play was the no-call on the Packers defense on a jump-ball to Jimmy Graham in the end zone in the third quarter. Wilson rolled right, cut back middle, saw Daniels and chucked it high toward the back of the end zone to a double-covered Jimmy Graham. Replay showed a ton of contact, but there was no flag thrown, the ball was deemed uncatchable and Seattle settled for a field goal, cutting the lead to 7-6 instead of pulling ahead.

With Lane out, rookie Shaquill Griffin had to step in and play more than expected. He played well, though, deflecting a pair of outside shots sent his way while recording 10 tackles. Defensive coordinator Kris Richard praised Griffin's ability to keep plays in front of him and not give up anything over the top, which is exactly what happened Sunday. When the opposing QB in your NFL debut is Aaron Rodgers, avoiding any big plays your way is a minor victory.

At least Blair Walsh was accurate when called upon. The new kicker hit three field goals of 33, 21 and 41 yards Sunday. Perfection is always good.

6. Blair Walsh didn't miss

At least Blair Walsh was accurate when called upon. The new kicker hit three field goals of 33, 21 and 41 yards Sunday. Perfection is always good.

Photo: Mike Roemer/AP

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6 Takeaways from Seahawks season-opening loss to Green Bay

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What a difference a year makes.

Wait, actually, it doesn't seem like much has changed in Seattle over the past couple years. The Seahawks lost 17-9 to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the team's eighth straight loss at Lambeau Field.

A summation: The offense wasn't clicking, evidenced by the nine points scored -- all on Blair Walsh field goals. The defense was clicking, evidenced by the 17 points allowed to a Green Bay offense that is led by a man named Aaron Rodgers who can put up points in bunches.

There were questionable calls made by the referees -- including the decision to eject Jeremy Lane -- that will be debated and discussed for the next six days. Many of the calls to be discussed will be ones that negatively impacted Seattle.

Those have essentially been the issues for Seattle in the post-Marshawn Lynch era, especially last season when the play of the O-line was the topic of discussion for all the wrong reasons, despite the Seahawks winning 10 games.

With that said, above are a few takeaways from Seattle's season-opening loss.